A top agent with knowledge of a deal which looked set to see a world star sign for Spurs has candidly suggested he is now more likely to join West Ham.
West Ham could get one over on bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur if an agent’s claims are to be believed.
The Hammers and Spurs have been linked with a number of mutual targets this summer.
Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke and Matt O’Riley being three of them.
Another came somewhat out of the blue last week too as West Ham and Tottenham work to improve their squads ahead of the new season.
Italian superstar forward Federico Chiesa has been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur.
There were even claims two weeks ago that Juventus star Chiesa was on the verge of completing a deal to join Tottenham.
Gazzetta dello Sport then set a cat amongst the pigeons last week by claiming West Ham had also been in talks about potentially signing the Juventus star.
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Star looked set for Spurs but now more likely at West Ham
With rumours gathering pace that Tottenham were on the verge of clinching Chiesa, though, West Ham’s approach seemed futile.
The Juventus star can play anywhere along the front-line, possesses exceptional technical ability, is rapid and has a lethal shot on him.
So why do Juve want to sell? Ironically to raise funds to be able to beat West Ham to defender Jean-Clair Todibo and sign other targets.
Tottenham still very much looked the favourites, though, as West Ham completed the signings of Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug to add to Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
But there’s been an intriguing twist.
Because an agent says the star who looked set for Spurs is now more likely to join rivals West Ham.
Agent questions Spurs claims after West Ham ‘request’
Bianconera News sat down for an interview with top FIFA agent David Lavelle.
The report states Lavelle’s excellent contacts with the management at Juve and in the Premier League meant he was perfectly placed to address the Chiesa situation involving Tottenham and West Ham.
Lavelle says the talk of Chiesa coming close to signing for Spurs were just ‘rumours’.
But he says West Ham made an actual request while going on to cast doubt on whether Tottenham would pay £35m for Chiesa.
Lavelle did caveat that revelation by saying it would be tough to convince Chiesa to join West Ham or Fulham, who also registered an interest.
“I haven’t heard anything about it (Chiesa joining Spurs), to be honest,” Lavelle said.
“I haven’t heard anything (official) about that rumour. This is news to me.
“He is a very, very good player. There is definitely a chance (he will move to the Premier League). I spoke to Cristiano (Giuntoli) and I think he could find a chance at a couple of Premier League clubs and I can say that we have some requests for a left winger from Fulham, who would be willing to pay, and from West Ham.
‘Tough to convince him’
“But it is tough. It will be very tough to convince him.
“I mean, who among the big clubs has £35 million in the Premier League to buy him? It will be tough to sell him. Tottenham could be an option for Chiesa, but they have quite a few players in that position. However, I doubt they will pay £35m.”
Chiesa can also play as a striker. And there has been talk the Hammers could sign another forward if Danny Ings and/or Michail Antonio depart.
But realistically the Italian’s best position is on the wing and West Ham are now well stocked in those areas with top quality, younger talent.
So it seems highly unlikely the Irons will be pushing this move. Even if fans would love the idea of West Ham getting one over on Tottenham.
It could be an interesting situation to watch towards the end of the window, though.
If Chiesa still hasn’t been sold then a loan with option or obligation could interest the Hammers or Tottenham as both look to challenge for Europe.